PC to induct class of 2013

GRANVILLE — Putnam County High School will conduct an induction ceremony for the 2013 Class of Hall of Fame before the Panthers take on Ottawa Marquette on Friday at R.M. Germano Gymnasiun.

This year’s honorees include:

Erin (St. Germain) Entwistle (Class of 1998): While in high school, Entwistle was a three-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball, basketball and softball. On top of a busy sports schedule, she also was a member of the National Honor Society at PCHS. With all of her successes, she shined the brightest on the basketball court. During her tenure at PC, Erin averaged 14 points per game, totally more than 800 career points. She was a two-time All-Area Player. She was a three-time All Tri-County Conference Player from her sophomore season on. Erin was also a two time IBCA Third Team All-Stater from her success as a junior and a senior.

After graduating in 1998, Enwistle attended Western Illinois University on a basketball scholarship. After completing her eligibility in 2002, she went on to be the director of women’s basketball operations at Oregon State University.

Steve Safranski Class of 1976: One of the most highly regarded athletes in the history of Putnam County High School, graduating in 1976, Safranski was a three-sport standout. In 1975, he led Putnam County to a state runner up finish, and led the Panthers to the 1976 state championship in track and field. Safranski won the state long jump competition in 1975 and 1976. He also won a gold medal in the 100-yard dash and was a two time state champion in the 200-yard dash. Besides all of his accolades on the track, he was also an all area basketball player as a junior, and was the first Putnam County athlete to be drafted by a major league baseball team when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1976. Steve’s track team was elected into the Putnam County Hall of Fame as the first team to ever be inducted, in 2011

Doug Veronda #34 (Class of 1987): Veronda has been a huge part to the history and success of Putnam County basketball both on the court and on the sidelines as a coach. As a player under head basketball coach Ken Jenkins, Veronda was the premier post player in the Illinois Valley from 1985-1987. His record of 1,335 career points held strong for over 20 years until it was broken in 2007 by Carlton Fay. He is currently second all time for scoring at Putnam County. He helped lead PC to back to back conference championships in 1986 and 1987. After his senior year, he was named as a representative on the IBCA All Star Team for his accomplishments his senior year.

Veronda has since returned as a constant fan and supporter of Putnam County basketball. Doug has helped coach at Putnam County for 15 years, both as a freshman coach and as a varsity assistant. His influence and passion for Putnam County basketball has helped the post players of recent years lead PC to their success. Veronda’s No, 34 will forever be retired at PCHS.

PCHS athletic director Dave Garcia said, “Putnam County High School is honored to invite back Doug, Erin and Steve. Their accomplishments at Putnam County High School will now forever be recognized in the Hall of Fame and in our gymnasium. Having them represented in this fashion at Putnam County is a great example for our young student athletes.”